FIV Cat Rescue

FIV Cat Rescue

Educating | Advocating | Saving Lives

FIV Cat Rescue is an educational non-profit charity, located in California, devoted to saving the lives of cats who test positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) antibodies. Most FIV+ cats, if they have homes, will live a normal lifespan. They simply die of age-related diseases.

30+ years after humans freaked over HIV and turned infected people into lepers, they are now passing the stigma onto FIV+ cats -- for exactly the same reasons -- fear of the unknown and lack of good information.

FIV Cat Rescue is working directly with FIV researchers to create programs to inform vets, shelters, rescues and the general public that a single test proves nothing. Testing FIV positive (FIV ) should not be a death sentence. With proper care -- the same care you give to Non-FIV cats -- cats labeled FIV+ can and do live long, healthy, happy lives.

I'll report the latest facts about FIV and what FIV Cat Rescue is doing to save these cats.

FIV does not affect a cat's lifespan or quality of life, and FIV cats can coexist with non-FIV cats without transmitting the virus.

Although we've taken in the FIV+ cats in the past to save them from immediate death, we do not operate a shelter. As a shelter, we could only save a few dozen cats. Through our educational out-reach program, we hope to save thousands. We also help rescuers find homes for FIV cats.

FIV Cat Rescue - How it Began

In 2006, my husband and I had been fostering cats and kittens for 6 years for the local Humane Society. Early that year, we fostered a litter of 4 bottle-feeders, whose mother had abandoned them. As was customary, when the kittens weighed 2 pounds, we took them in to be spayed/neutered.

A few hours later, we received a call that would change our lives. The shelter informed us that the kittens had tested positive for FIV antibodies, so they were euthanized. They were dead. Gone.

We were devastated.

We had heard of FIV, but did not really know what it was. Was it terminal? Was there a cure? How could such healthy, happy kittens have a disease so bad they had to be killed?

We began to vigorously research these issues ... only to find conflicting information. "Facts" were all over the map. Then it became obvious. The date was the data. On the internet, old, out-dated information coexists with later studies. And the latest research of all is not even there yet.

We learned that while it was at first believed that cats testing positive for FIV were doomed, later studies showed the opposite. Tragically, obsolete thinking (we call them myths) had killed "our" kittens.

Even worse, the myths lived on, even as cats around the world did not. The senseless killing had to stop! Thus began our journey into rescuing FIV+ cats and the beginning of FIV Cat Rescue. .

What is FIV?

FIV is a diagnosis

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is a feline only, lentivirus which progresses very slowly, affecting a cat's immune system. Sometimes, FIV does not even affect a cat at all.

FIV is really no big deal. FIV is so slow to progress that most FIV cats die of old age. Most FIV cats live long, healthy, happy lives when given a home with good care -- the same kind of care you give to your other NON-FIV cats. And, you cannot get FIV from your cat.

FIV is NOT Feline AIDS. It is this untrue stereotype that justifies the barbaric "treatment". Rarely does a cat even reach this stage (some call it Stage 4).

A common myth is that a cat that tests positive for FIV will die young. In fact, most FIV+ cats, if they have homes, will live a normal lifespan. They simply die of age-related diseases.

Photo: Princess

Copyright 2010-2016, Frankie Kangas

Cats who have been vaccinated AGAINST FIV will test positive for FIV antibodies forever!

Our Ultimate Goal

Stop Routinely Killing FIV+ Cats

Our primary mission is to end the out-dated and unjustified killing of cats based of the presence of FIV antibodies.

#1: End the killing of FIV+ cats by educating everyone involved:

> Work with FIV researchers to create the latest FIV educational materials

> Educate vets on the latest research treatments

> Distribute research findings to shelters, so they can update their kill policies based on current research

> Create and maintain a public national US database of shelters, rescues and sanctuaries that accept FIV+ cats

How Is FIV Transmitted?

And, How It Is NOT Transmitted

Kittens can get it from an infected mother while in the womb or through ingestion of milk during nursing. HOWEVER, kittens rarely get FIV from their mothers. Many inherit their Mom's antibodies to FIV which go away by the time they are 6 months of age. All kittens that test positive for FIV need to be retested after 6 months of age.

The condition is most often seen in unneutered stray or feral males, since fighting is more common among these cats. FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually - like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing.

A neutered FIV+ cat in a home is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, when properly introduced as long as the cats are all non-aggressive.

Cornell University on FIV:

"The primary mode of transmission is through bite wounds. Casual, non-aggressive contact does not appear to be an efficient route of spreading FIV; as a result, cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk for acquiring FIV infections."

Photo: Tommy

Photo: Copyright 2012-2016, Frankie Kangas

Kitten calico

What is the test for FIV?

FIV Blood Tests

A simple blood test, done in most veterinary clinics or hospitals, called ELISA (Enzyme-lined immunosorbent assay) is used to diagnose FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). The test only tests for antibodies not the actual virus. Due to many false positives, if a cat tests positive, it should be retested using a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

Kittens test positive because they inherit their mother's antibodies, which are usually gone from their systems by the time they are 6 months old. Therefore, kittens that test positive for FIV antiboides should be retested between the age of 6 and 8 months of age at which time the test will most likely come back negative.

NOTE: Cats who have been vaccinated against FIV will test positive for FIV antibodies. This leads to false readings all of their lives.

Photo: Copyright 2006-2016, Frankie Kangas

FIV is NOT a death sentence!

Most cats who test positive for FIV antibodies

live long, healthy and happy lives.

FIV cat

How to keep an FIV cat healthy

FIV infected cats have compromised immune systems and may be more susceptible to infections and may need to take medicine a little longer than non-FIV cats. As with ALL cats, they need to be neutered (to minimize or prevent fighting), kept indoors (to decrease exposure to other cars, feral cats, dogs, poisons, other outdoor dangers), fed a good diet with vitamin supplements (no raw foods), and have yearly check-ups.

All cats are high strung and prefer no stress in their environment. FIV-infected cats are no different. For ALL cats both preventative health and dental care are important. Administer prescribed medications and monitor your cat's general activity level, body weight, appetite and attitude.

As with all of your animals, IF they start hiding, acting different, not eating or drinking, not using the box or going outside the box, sneezing, or snuffling, then immediately take them to the vet. It's really that simple. FIV+ cats should be aggressively treated for any infections that may occur.

Vaccinations for other diseases should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Photo: Harley (with 1 amber eye and 1 yellow eye)

Copyright 2010-2016, Frankie Kangas

Lysine for FIV+ cats

What should I feed my FIV+ cat?

Diet for an FIV cat

All cats should be fed good quality food, whether wet or dry. We prefer a combination, as an all-dry food diet can produce skin problems in a few cats and it can lead to urinary tract problems in males because of the ash.

FIV cats should never be fed raw meat, which carries a risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection. This can be a serious problem in FIV cats, simply because their immune systems might be weaker than normal. FIV cats are not particularly fragile; we are simply being proactively protective.

For that reason, if your cat goes outside -- which is not recommended, except for safely enclosed areas -- you should prevent it from hunting.

While not exactly foods, we do add 2 ingredients to the wet food of all cats:

LYSINE

On our Vet's recommendation, we add L-Lysine HCI (Lysine)* daily to their wet food. Lysine, an essential amino acid, is recommended for Herpes and to prevent and combat Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), known in humans as a common cold. We give each cat 250mg a day as a maintenance dose. If they have cold symptoms, we up their dose to 500mg a day for up to a week, then back down to the maintenance dose. We prefer the Lysine crystals to the other forms it comes in. We simply put the Lysine crystals on top of the wet food, add a little water and stir. The crystals melt immediately and the cats don't seem to notice any taste.

* We buy a product called, Pure Lysine, in a 4-lb tub online from Vita Flex Nutrition (Vitaflex.com). It is advertised for horses due to the size of the tub and is the least expensive product we've found. And, for 16 cats, it is necessary to buy in bulk.

NOTE: Lysine has no special properties in relation to FIV "specifically" as far as boosting the immune system, but is recommended for Herpes and for URI prevention in all cats. L-Carnitine is actually more useful as a maintenance supplement for being pro-actively protective as is Lactoferrin.

PUMPKIN

We also add 100% pureed pumpkin (not pie filling) to their wet food. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and is helpful in several ways:

1. for diarrhea, the pumpkin fiber absorbs the water in a cat's digestive system making their stools firmer.

2. for constipation, the fiber in the pumpkin helps by softening the stools.

3. The fiber also reduces hairballs.

For cats weighing up to 15 pounds, we give 1-2 TEAspoons a day of pumpkin puree. For cats over 15 pounds, we give 1-2 TABLEspoons.

NOTE 1: Some cats do not do well on pumpkin so experiment with amount to see what works for each cat.

NOTE 2: In place of pumpkin, you can use unflavored 100% natural Psyllium husk fiber mixed into their food with a little water. The Psyllium has the same effect as pumpkin. (The brand we use is Equate and comes in a 29 oz container.) Some cats are allergic to fiber and may throw up their food.

Isolation of an FIV+ cat is not necessary in a stable household unless the FIV+ cat is likely to fight with the other residents.

FIV Cat Rescue

FIV Cats live with Non-FIV Cats

FIV Cats can live with non-aggressive non-FIV cats

Since 2006, I've had FIV+ cats and non-FIV cats living together in my home -- anywhere from 13 to 18 cats at a time. They lick each other, eat out of each others food bows, drink from the same water bowls and play and sleep together; the disease has NOT been transmitted to any of my non-FIV cat. Also, I have many older cats (7 over 12 years old -- 2 with FIV and 5 without). None of the FIV+ cats have turned into AIDS and none of the non-FIV cats have been infected. So far, all of our FIV cats have lived to be at least 14-yrs old and have died of old age diseases.

30 years after humans got freaked about HIV and turned people into lepers, they are now passing the stigma onto FIV cats -- all for the same reason -- fear of the unknown and lack of good information. We are working very hard to get a grant to tell vets, shelters, rescues and the general public that having FIV should not be a death sentence. That cats that tests positive for FIV antibodies can live long, healthy, happy lives. And they are living in many, many homes.

Cats do not have to die simply for a compromised immune system, which is what FIV is.

===================================

LONG TERM RESEARCH STUDY: FIV living together with Non-FIV cats:

People shouldn’t be afraid of having FIV and Non-FIV cats living together. The virus is passed through a serious, penetrating bite wound (these are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, unneutered tomcats).

Keep Your FIV Cat Healthy

Keep your FIV+ cat healthy by treating her like ALL cats should be treated. 2 things that we stress are: NO raw foods, keep indoor only (all our cats are), and if she seems sick have her treated right away.

FIV cat

Help Us Stop MYTHinformation The Killer of FIV Cats

Please Pledge to Support Our Efforts

We are committed to changing the way FIV+ cats are diagnosed, perceived and treated in this nation and worldwide. We believe that lack of education is the cause of the problem -- and a spread of knowledge will be the solution. No one is willingly doing wrong. There are no evil people here. They simply haven't received the latest medical facts. That is our job, and we have our work cut out for us! Everyday untold numbers of FIV+ cats are mistakenly surrendered to shelters out of fear.

It IS slowly getting better for FIV+ cats, but not fast enough to save the thousands that already died this year, and those whose lives will be in jeopardy in years to come. They need unrelenting advocates to stand up for them. We are committed to doing that, but we can't do it alone. We are stepping up our efforts and hope to gain much ground in 2013. We are asking our FANS and FRIENDS to get in step with our efforts by PLEDGING your support with a monthly subscription. You can help us reach our goals for just pennies a day!

Thank you for caring about these very special cats as much as we do. We hope you will share our message with your FRIENDS. Together, we can raise our voices and stand up for the defenseless!

Don't Forget To Spay Or Neuter Your Cat

Neutered Cats Are Healthier And Happier

Having your cat spayed or neutered will stop the overpopulation and the killing of cats. Millions of cats are killed at shelters each year due to overpopulation. Keep in mind, if your cat has 4 kittens, even if you get homes for those kittens, 4 others are killed because they could not get homes.

This wonderful animation was created by David Booth of Cabin Fever Art. Check out his site to see all his wonderful cartoons and other goodies. He also provides the weekly cartoon for Are You Polar Bear Aware?

ASPCA's Low-Cost Spay/ Neuter Resource

Info on low cost spay/ neuter resource

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs

ASPCA has a special link for you to find low-cost spay/neuter programs in your community. Simply go to Low-Cost Spay Neuter Programs and enter in your zip code and you'll get a list of the programs in your area.

ADOPTED 2013: James "Jimmy" Bond

ADOPTED 2013: James "Jimmy" Bond

FIV Cat Rescue's Wish List

Below are a few of the items on our wish list to help the FIV cats. Above in the donation module, you can donate any amount of money. Here, you can purchase one of these items through Amazon.com and have it shipped directly to FIV Cat Rescue at 19680 Noyo Acres Drive, Fort Bragg CA 95437. Thank you!

Another way we introduce people to our cats up for adoption is to have a strolling even around town. They keep our cats contained and entertained. We also get lots of exercise ourselves. We need at least 2 of these as we borrow from other organizations when we can.

Guestbook for Your Feedback - Share You thoughts

No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked. Comments are not for promoting your articles or other sites.

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Rosend 11 months ago

I rescued a neutered, chipped male from shelter in Juneau Alaska 7 years ago, named him Bubba. He loves to wonder and I'm confident at some time he was feral as it was nearly 2 years before he became comfortable with my husband and myself to approach us or allow affection and still is jumpy on approach and hidden when strangers arrive. In Juneau he had outside access during daylight and always returned for feeding and bed at night. We have moved to rural property in Oregon and installed a cat door. Bubba now spends more time outdoors and does scrap with the traveling ferals. He is constantly coming in with small scabs and this year we are now treating his 3rd abscess, which regardless of home treatment require tube insertion and antibiotic. While discussing his propensity for repeated abscesses yesterday, we decided blood test were in order. I received a call from her with results he is positive for FIV and she ask if I still wanted to provide the drainage insertion, a question I thought extremely odd until I began internet research! Thank goodness I found your site, for a short time felt like a criminal for harboring a killer! Regardless, I will not give up Bubba for anything and will provide him with proper care, physically and mentally for as long as he lives. Considering our active outside lifestyle including open windows and doors and his love for the outdoors, how can we possible trap him in a secluded room! I do restrain him indoors following the drain insertions, the howling, pleading and escape escapades is relentless and after a few days he gets lethargic and depressed and his coat looks dull. Also, the cat box issue weighs heavy as the 16 pounder does not require a regular box normally, and when forced inside will go days without relieving himself. I'm sure you know where this is headed! At what point is quality of life over shortened life a priority. I also question he if shelters routinely test for FIV or give the FIV vaccine to strays that they neuter? Also, I wonder if FIV is responsible for his increased abscesses? Also, my neighbor has cats, loves Bubba and has never seen him show aggression. She has cared for him while we're on vacation, is a devoted animal lover, especially fond of rescues and dabbles in animal communication skills. She insist that Bubba is not aggressive and suggest we try to confine him at night and let out during the day. I'm seriously considering this. Should I choose this option, for my cats mental health, will I be shunned by local vets and cat protectors if by chance the experiment fails and I have take him in with another abscess?

Author

Frankie Kangas 3 years agofrom California

@dreamydrawcats: You can check out our website on Rescues Taking FIV Cats. It's at squidoo.com/rescues-taking-fiv-cats It lists rescues by city and state and gives other ideas and information for finding homes. Good luck and thank you for all you do for our furry, feline friends. Bear hugs, Frankie

dreamydrawcats 3 years ago

Hello,

I work at a cat hospital in Phoenix, AZ. We're currently trying to find homes for 4 very wonderful cats, one of whom tested positive for FIV. Could you possibly point us toward any local organizations or sanctuaries that may be willing to help us find him a home?

anonymous 4 years ago

@Franksterk: Thanks Frankie. I wil look into the website and see what I can do. Yes I do alot of volunteer work for animal shelters, and the Fl Gainesvile petsnip operation told me as much about fiv. Back then he was newer and not aggressive over the last wo years though I have seen him change alittle, he is outdoor and indoor, the only problem I have is that apparently I have to big of a heart and not enough space. Wih the new arrivals I am tryig to save it is hard. I have found homes for all of the kittens except four left to go. Before these new kittens I already had ten cats spayed or neutered ect. And yes if I didnt see him with my own eyes go after Blue and baby momma also with a bite wound I would not be worried like I am. I have had Mister for 3 +yrs, and the others longer. He is 7 Now. I have my 3 oiginals and somewhere along the way more strays showed up and it took so much work to gain ther trust That I dont see them beig successful anywhre else. So all of my animas are fixed/ vac..Minus a new stray outside..

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@anonymous: Thanks Heather. Yes, there are some other calming homeopathic meds to help calm cats too, such as Be Calm and Rescue Remedy, however if a cat is still aggressive you need to keep them separated from the rest.

BTW I have several cats that are aggressive only when there are more than 1 or 2 other cats. They are fine with the 1 or 2 cats they have been introduced to individually. Introducing cats is an science really. BTW, the best advice I've ever found is in the book Cat Vs. Cat. The author offers advice for most situations.

Thanks again for your suggestion. Bear hugs, Frankie

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@anonymous: I don't know how old Mister is -- obviously at least 1 year old -- nor do you say if he is indoor/outdoor or outdoor only. Since the females are staying at your neighbor's house, I know that he is not indoor only. Some cats, whether they are male or female, especially if they had been abandoned and on their own, become territorial when they finally find a family/home.

FIV is spread thru deep bite wounds so it is not good to have him biting. FIV is really not a big deal except some shelters will kill a cat that tests positive for FIV antibodies so it places the other cats in danger. Even if they don't get FIV, the bite wounds can become infested causing health problems for those cats.

You need to keep any aggressive cat -- FIV+ or non-FIV -- separated from other cats and preferably indoors. (It's hard to keep a cat separated from other cats outdoors unless you have an enclosure of some kind.

To find a home for Mister, go yo my other site, Rescues Taking FIV cats, at www.squidoo.com/rescues-taking-FIV-cats. There you'll find rescues listed by city/state along with other resources.

Good luck to you. Let me know if you have any other questions. Bear hugs, Frankie

anonymous 4 years ago

@anonymous: Try GNC calming treats/meds for cats. It is sold at Petsmart, it seems to help mine. And lord knows when you rescue other animals, well my cats don't like it especially Charlie Chaplin.. Goodluck

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@CristianStan: Thank you for your visit. We do help cats all across the United States. Although FIV Cat Rescue is located in Fort Bragg, CA, we are focused on education on a national level and even have worked with folks in Canada and the UK. On our facebook page, facebook.com/fivcatrescue.catsinneed, we focus on finding homes for individual cats and have helped cats all over the US find homes, transportation and even had owners who kept the cats after they were educated about FIV and the MYTHinformation that seems to be everywhere. We have even had some shelters stop killing FIV+ cats and now find homes or rescues to take them. Frankie Kangas, Founder and Executive Director

CristianStan 4 years ago

I wonder if they have a base in other states, it would be nice to be able to help animals all across the United States

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@catmaxx: Thanks for visiting and for the kudos. Bear hugs, Frankie

Terry Lomax 4 years agofrom Rep. of Ireland

Fantastic lens, and a great oasis you are for needy cats, my avatar shows Percy, one of our two cats, in a different light, he looks very like your Princess.

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@Loretta L: Love to be added to your cat lens. Make sure to tell me the url or name. Copying this particular copyright notice is not prob. It's pretty generic. Bear hugs, Frankie

Loretta Livingstone 4 years agofrom Chilterns, UK.

It's a wonderful job you are doing. If you like I can post a link to this from my cats lens. Quite beside the point, but I also like the copyright notice at the bottom of the page. I hope you don't mind if I borrow that idea.

feedwater lm 4 years ago

Cats are my one true love from the Animal kingdom, our Cat Lola has to put up with us brandishing her with constant attention, it sounds like a cats dream but she can be distant!

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@clouda9 lm: Thank you for the kudos. Bear hugs, Frankie

clouda9 lm 4 years ago

@Franksterk: Keep on keeping on Frankie...doing what you do for the FIV Cat Rescue is inspiring and truly incredible!

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@clouda9 lm: Thank you for visiting FIV Cat Rescue on Squidoo and for your congrats. I was really surprised but thrilled when I read the write up this morning. I've been so busy taking care of cats, finding homes for cats, and creating educational materials about cats and trying to get grants that I've neglected all of my lenses online except for my 3 FIV lenses. I just got my new computer up and running after my 9-yr old computer bit the dust so I've been out of the loop. I've been so busy taking care of 16 cats and working in FIV Cat Rescue that I've my lenses, except this hone have been pretty neglected. Bear hugs, Frankie

clouda9 lm 4 years ago

Crushed to hear your rescue kitties were euthanized when they tested positive for FIV. Thanks for the indepth discussion and links to more info Frankie. Congrats for being one of Squidoo's favorite lenses of 2012! (http://hq.squidoo.com/lensmaster-spotlight/more-of...

anonymous 4 years ago

Returning with fresh angel dust and congratulations on being honored as More Of Our Favorite Lenses 2012, very well deserved!

Stephanie 4 years agofrom Canada

This is such a fantastic cause and I'm so glad you made a lens for it. I'm a huge cat lover and I am always so sad when I think of anything bad happening to them. :( I'm glad soemone out there is trying to help those kitties who need it.

Elyn MacInnis 4 years agofrom Shanghai, China

There is nothing finer than education on the latest scientific studies. Blessings to you in your great work!

anonymous 4 years ago

I once heard someone talking about "cats with AIDS." I really knew nothing about FIV cats until my visit here today. Thanks for the education and for what you're doing to help these cats.

makorip lm 4 years ago

All our cats came to us either from the street or saved from euthanization by us at the Animal Shelter. Some amazing animals are available out there, you just have to find them.

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@Diana Wenzel: Thank you. Bear hugs, Frankie

Renaissance Woman 4 years agofrom Colorado

Just had to return to this important web page to renew my blessing and express my gratitude for your compassionate work with FIV felines. Thank you for your educational mission and for all of the love you are actively expressing in all that you do for these precious animals.

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@Snakesmum: Thanks for sharing your life with your FIV+ cat, Tia. She sounds like some of ours -- nothing is too expensive for them. lol Bear hugs, Frankie

Jean DAndrea 4 years agofrom Victoria, Australia

Thankyou for all you do for FIV+ cats. My girl Tia is FIV+ but she is fine inside and has an outdoor run so she can have fresh air. She's about 13 now, and I've had her since I found her starving in the street 12 years ago. She's a one person cat, that's for sure, and she loves the most expensive food, of course! :-)

Author

Frankie Kangas 4 years agofrom California

@bushaex: Thank you for the blessings. Glad to see another person with many cats in their lives. Bear hugs, Frankster

Stephen Bush 4 years agofrom Ohio

SquidAngel blessings from our seven cats (they like to play a game on my iPad) and were reading your lens over my shoulder. Thank you for your wonderful work in shedding a light on this cat survival issue.

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so glad you gave this gentle cat a home. Living outdoors, in the elements with all of the stress shortens most cats lives with no compromised immune system. I'm so glad he had 18 months of love in his life. Thank you for all you did for him and our other feline friends.

myamya 5 years ago

Very nice lens, thank you for sharing!

anonymous 5 years ago

I have long-term fostered a beautiful ginger tom who was living rough near where I worked. Although wary of humans at first, within a couple of months and during a very harsh winter, he was literally begging to be inside.

Thinking back to the day when I took him home 18 months ago, he had clinical symptoms of the final stage of the disease at that time, as he exhibited severe respiratory problems. I kept him confined for a month or so, in order that introductions to the other cats in my multi-cat (and dog) household could be managed easily. After that, I left him free around the house and he proved to be one of the most gentle and affectionate cats I've had.

About four months ago he started refusing his food, and a trip to the vets showed that he had both gingivitis and was well on his way to renal failure. We had him on ovarid to control the gingivitis and a formula-diet for the kidneys. He's recently back to not eating again, his bladder control is shot and he appears to have chronic acid-reflux. Because he is FIV+ and has renal problems, many of the normal routes to infection control have been closed off.

It is looking very much like I will finally have to concede that he should be PTS. Its not a decision that is easy to make. How anyone can do that for an FIV+ cat that is otherwise healthy is beyond me. Give FIV+ cats a chance!

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@potovanja: Thank you for your kind words and for all you do for our feline friends. Bear hugs, Frankie

potovanja 5 years ago

I must say one really BIG THANK YOU to help this beautiful animals. Last year we find more then 150 new, warm home for homeless cat's, which we found from supÅ¡ermarkets and shops. People are so cruel to leave this beauties on the streets, lonely without anything. Thank you for help animals and for really great lens...

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: I'm unclear, did you try RescueShelter.com/California ? (http://www.www.rescueshelter.com/california) they are the group that you look by state, then by location in state. You can then check out the listings for rescues, shetlers, etc. If you find one in your area, read the info and IF it says they take FIV cats, call them.

We are adding the rescues we learn about as we find them. As you are finding out, it is not easy. I'll let you know if I find any others in Southern California. (Is that where Glendora is?)

I have two things I've tried for calming cats that work:

1. Dr. Goodpet's Calm Stress

2. Bach's Rescue Remedy

They both work well for me. You usually can get them both at a health food store or online.

anonymous 5 years ago

@Franksterk: I see rescue site, yes I can list Guinness there. We're in Glendora, CA. I found a couple of other sites but they were all out of state. What other sites should we check out?

What else can I do to get her calmer? Any suggestions are helpful.

,

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: You can also check out the site listed in the first module after the introduction, Rescue Shelter http://www.www.rescueshelter.com/ for organizations in your area. Once you find them, you simple read their description to see if they mention take FIV cats. If they don't list it, it is likely they do not take them.

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: I'm surprise you say the other sites aren't current. All have either been contacted directly or their websites still show they take FIV cats. They may be full, but we list them because they can be full one week and then available another week. Where are you located? (City, State)?

anonymous 5 years ago

We rescued a beautiful calico cat from my place of work. Guinness had a open wound, we had it fixed and her spayed too. But sadly her blood work came back positive for Fiv. I had recently rescued another cat, same place, but pregnant. Calli was healthy and no Fiv thankfully. We now has ther kittens left plus our original three cats who are wondering what the heck! We isolated Guinness but as she healed from surgery and anemia too she became too hyper to stay in one room. Before we knew she as positive we'd had her with the three cats and since she was weak she got along. BUT now that she's feeling better she has been aggressive with my other girl cats. I have been trying to find her a forever home but there isn't much out there besides your site in Southern California.

The other suggested sites are not current, any thoughts what I can do? I did order some calming oil and hope it may help sweet Guinness!

BTW, a hospital parking lot is not a good place to drop off your strays!

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: Angela, we've been exchanging FB messages and emails. What is happening?

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@Pam Irie: Thank you. It was devastating. It was so wrong. To this day, I cannot shake the feeling of helplessness and sadness I felt when I found out those 4 wonderful kittens were dead. Their death, as a visitor earlier, reminded me, was the impetus for starting FIV Cat Rescue to help stop the killing of FIV cats. That thought helps ease some of my sadness. Thanks for visiting. Bear hugs, Frankie

Great information on this topic that not many people are educated about and end up euthanizing an otherwise healthy cat. As was the case with your 4 kittens. I'm so sorry for your loss. I rescue healthy cats and currently have 14 of them which are hard enough to place so I can't even imagine your situation. You have a heart of gold. Hugs

Pam Irie 5 years agofrom Land of Aloha

Bless you for your tireless work with these wonderful animals. You must have been devestated when the shelter put down the kittens. Breaks my heart too. I'm an animal lover too. Needless deaths can be eliminated by spay and neutering at 4 months. :(

anonymous 5 years ago

I have 3 kittens that I just found out have FIVS. I am heartbroken over this. I bottle fed, litter trained and make them into such lovable kittens. I am looking for furEVER homes for them. Just dont know what websites I can get to that offer such assistance. I'm on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/angela.novack

Rose Jones 5 years ago

This is a lovely, extremely informative lens. I came here as part of a challenge to find a lens that I would love to share, and I definitely want to get the word out about any kind of animal rescue. I sent this out to google plus - I like to use them because as you increase the groups that you send it out to they allow you to add additional people - and also pinned it to two of my boards: Cats and Squidoo Lenses worth Blessing.

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@Missy Zane: Thank your for all you do for FIV cats. I understand the question of stress of living indoors for cats who have lived outside. Bear hugs, Frankie

anonymous 5 years ago

Wonderful information. I'm a feline lover; have one indoor cat and am feeding a stray. Wished I could have more cats but my cat doesn't get along with others. Bless you for caring for these animals.

Missy Zane 5 years ago

I'm so sorry about your kittens. In Maryland, my rescue (howardcountycats.org) takes in FIV cats. We don't place them in strictly indoor homes though, because we believe the "strictly indoor" lifestyle is way too stressful for cats who have lived outside.

fdurham 5 years ago

Great topic. I learned so much. Thanks for sharing this information. My cat was a stray and tested slightly positive for FIV. She tested negative at 6 months.

soaringsis 5 years ago

Great lens, I would love to have a kitten, but do to collectors items, it is a no go, due to the climbing and tail wagging, which knocks items down (no harm intended by the cats). So maybe at a later date it may be possible. I was not aware of FIV.

anonymous 5 years ago

Yes I love this topic page, as I have been researching about FIV. I recently took in a male cat who came back positive for FIV. I was originally going to take him for adoption to the local shelter after getting him neutered, But At the lake City animal shelter their policy is to put down all FIV and Felv cats. This is sad because ironically enough Mister my FIV +pos cat is actually the most docile cat and loves all animals and people although he is a bit skiddish at times, I suspect someone did miss treat him. Anyways I have been at odds about what to do with and am trying to find either a rescue group, a home with already FIV+ cats or a home with no cats. I am tempted to keep him myself but I have maybe like 8 cats already- lol that is alot and charlie Chaplin is a very sickly and maybe one or two others as well. So I just don't know what to do. Thanks for a site like this as it really in it's own rite helps.. Thank you

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@spellbindingsis: Thank you for the kind words and for the donation. As you said every little bit helps us to save fiv cats. I totally understand your heart aching for Yogi Bear and Spooky. Some of the special cats come with special ways of getting into our hearts and not letting go. Thank you again. Bear hugs, Frankster

spellbindingsis 5 years ago

I loved this lens...it is very personal for me. Two of the most amazing cats I ever was honored to own were both FIV positive, one was a stray I took in he was about 4 when he became part of our family his name was Yogi Bear, the second was a cat I adopted through the Space Coast Feline network his name was Spooky he too was FIV Positive and about 6 when I adopted him. Both have since passed on (my heart forever aches for them both) I donated because it feels like a tribute to my sweet fuzzy faces. Please DONATE every little bit counts.

dahlia369 5 years ago

Great information on something I've never heard about - since I don't have cats.

SteveKaye 5 years ago

Thank you for taking care of these precious animals.

anonymous 5 years ago

I am a volunteer with a cat rescue in N.C. I discovered a cat colony which I have been caring for.We have trapped 17 so far but 8 have had FIV so far. So sad. The colony is very sick with eye infections and upper respiratory issues. I found a home for a 4 year old male that is FIV positive and he is doing great. I am also fostering an FIV kitten that lost an eye. This is a great site and I will tell others about it. Education on this illness is key.

TransplantedSoul 5 years ago

I had never heard of FIV. This is a great educational lens.

anonymous 5 years ago

I just met a kitten who is FIV+ in need of a home. He lost his eye due to trauma, but he definitely has a giant heart. I have another cat who is FIV- and thanks to your site I feel very comfortable taking this bundle of love in and adding to the family. Thank you so much for all your help. You have definitely not let those first 4 kittens pass in vain, they are now your forever guardian angels. Thank you.

anonymous 5 years ago

I just recently began fostering an FIV+ kitty that I found living in a feral colony where I've been doing TNR. He is smart, sweet, and friendly, so I've taken him in and am hoping to find a good home for him after he's neutered. I've been reading everything I can find about FIV+ cats, and your website is so helpful! Just wanted to say "thanks" and God bless you for what you're doing with these amazing animals. :-)

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@Afteretc: Yes it is great to educate others especially when it means saving a cat lives. Thank you for all you do for our fine, furred, feline friends. Bear hugs, Frankster

Afteretc 5 years ago

I have 2 FIV+ cats; Sam and Tabitha. Both were cats in my yard colony. Both turned friendly and I brought them inside. They are shy around strangers and visitors but completely friendly and social with us humans, our two dogs and the other 4 cats in the househld! Thanks for this informative lens - it's great to educate others isn't it?!

CoeGurl 5 years agofrom USA

What a wonderful and informative lens for educating people about FIV!

Fay Favored 5 years agofrom USA

I'm so glad you do not put these precious kitties down, like a vet wanted us to do. We decided not to have a stray put down and took him into our home. He stayed inside and live another year until he went home on his own. We were there petting him when he left us. I'll never regret giving him the chance to live and be loved. God bless you for what you are doing.

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Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@Everyday-Miracles: Thank you!

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Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@senditondown: Sounds like you and Pierre were both blessed. Frankie

Senditondown 5 years agofrom US

We rescued an FIV male, Pierre. He was a wonderful cat. He lived out his life here with us until he decided it was time to go. We were truly blessed to have him.

Everyday-Miracles 5 years ago

I meant to bless and like this lens yesterday but somehow forgot. It's been too long since I wa around here regularly!

Everyday-Miracles 5 years ago

@Franksterk: Liked on Facebook and posted the link there on the wall. Quinn's is done, going to do Guinevere's probably some time next week after school work.

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@Everyday-Miracles: Thank you for taking in Quinn and Guinevere. FIV+ cats are like other cats in that they can live long, healthy happy lives. But knowing that most shelters kill them makes them so very special. You are a life saver. Please do send me the links when you are done with the pages and I'll add them to this website. Check us out on Facebook too. Bear hugs, Frankie

Everyday-Miracles 5 years ago

Thank you for what you do! If it wasn't for people like you, my family might not have recently added two wonderful companions to our family! Quinn and Guinevere are both FIV+ and the most loving of our (now five) cats. Quinn is also an amputee, but he doesn't have particularly high needs and gets up and down the stairs just fine.

I'm making a link to this page from the pages for Quinn and Guinevere. I'm working on Quinn's right now. I'll send you the link when I'm finished and I hope that you don't mind me doing so. They are amazing and I'm so glad that we could give them homes. You should have heard the squeals of the shelter staff when they saw our application! It just made my day!

But really, I think that in some ways our cats save us, not the other way around. They are just wonderful kitties!

@anonymous: You could look in the Rescue Shelter website for shelters, rescues and sanctuaries in Nor. Cal. The url is www.RescueShelter.com

It lists tens of thousands of groups, helping all breeds of dogs, cats, horses

and other animals, in over 150 countries, are listed. The site also

features a worldwide directory of wildlife rehabilitators.

2. In California I just found an incredible group called, The Cat House on the Kings. Their url is http://www.cathouseonthekings.com The woman who started this is absolutely amazing. She does have a separate area (see the FACILITIES page) to house I believe 10 to 12 FIV cats. I know she charges money to take a cat but she will probably work with you on that).

We rescued a homeless cat who turned out to be FIV+ and found her a new home. Â When the woman found out Susie would have to stay indoors, she decided not to take her. Â The person who is fostering her turns out to be allergic to cats and can't keep her any longer. Â She has given us a week to find another place for her to go to. Â Susie is a very affectionate, friendly cat of 5-7 years who loves attention and really enjoys living inside. Â She has been spayed and is up to date on her shots. We live in the Sacramento area, but can travel around Northern California. Â A temporary foster home Â is badly needed for her while I work to find her a permanent home.

kengibbons4 5 years ago

Hi i like the article and just gave you a squidoo like. I am new to squidoo and just wrote a article on tax benefit for care for feral or stray cats and dogs at http://www.squidoo.com/tax-benefit-for-caring-for-... Please check it out and if you like it give me a squidoo like so I know. Thanks

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: Hi Allison, We are creating a list of places that take FIV cats in the US but it is slow going. The closest one to you that I know about is St. Bonnie's Sanctuary is in Canyon Country, CA near LA.

You can also check www.RescueShelter.com It lists tens of thousands of groups, helping all breeds of dogs, cats, horses and other animals, in over 150 countries, are listed. The site also features a worldwide directory of wildlife rehabilitators. There you can search for shelter/rescues/sanctuaries near you. When you find them read their information. They should list if they take FIV cats. Good luck. Let me know if you find a place and give me their info so I can add it to the list and help others. Thank you for taking such good care of this cat.

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Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@WriterJanis2: I'm so sorry you also had to go through the heartache of having an FIV cat put down because of the ignorance of a vet. I'm so glad you are now aware and can help to save others from going through the same pain. Bless you for all you do for animals.

WriterJanis2 5 years ago

I understand your heartbreak. Our family has worked with rescuing and taming ferals. We ended up with a stray,(not feral,) who immeditely took to us. I brought him in to get shots and to be fixed and was told he needed to be put down as he was tested positive and it was the only humane thing to do. Otherwise, he would suffer. To this day, I regret my decision.

anonymous 5 years ago

I have a FIV+ stray staying in my apartment right now. He is not aggressive at all but I have to keep him separated from my cats because my alpha male keeps attacking him. We've had him fixed and vaccinated, now we just need to find him a safe indoor home. I am in Huntington Beach but will be willing to travel if the situation is right for this sweet boy. He is very affectionate and you can tell he just wants to be inside with kind people. Please let me know if you can help in any way. Thank you!

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Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: Glad you called me on the phone. My website and blog were hacked so my email address frankie@fivcatrescue.org is NOT working either. Let me know how the hunt for homes went.

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: Glad you called me on the phone. My website and blog were hacked so my email address frankie@fivcatrescue.org is NOT working either. Let me know how the hunt for homes went.

anonymous 5 years ago

Hi I am currently fostering 3 orange and white kittens approx. 5-6 months that have tested positive for FIV and I'm in Desperate need of finding them homes I have already spayed and neutered them any help will be appreciated

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: T Rex is so lucky to have found you. Thank you for all you are doing for him. I'm sure you and he will have a long and wonderful life together.

anonymous 5 years ago

We were adopted by a stray male orange tabby whom we named T Rex. His face was severly ripped open during a cat fight , so we took him to the vet ,he had a double ear infection and is missing his front teeth. he is such a sweet kitty who loves to cuddle. He is FIV positive and I want to keep him healthy for many years. I knew nothing about FIV until little Rex came into our home we do not know his true age. I am sad that he was not neutered ! He will be nuetered after all of his blood work is complete.

Lorelei Cohen 5 years agofrom Canada

Thank you for this very informative article on FIV in cats. I had heard of this pet illness but really knew nothing of it till I read your article. Thank you for enlightening me and others.

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: Thank you for the donation and kind words. And thank you for all you do for our feline friends. Bear hugs and purrs, Frankie

anonymous 5 years ago

It is so wonderful to meet you here on Squidoo and learn about FIV and FIV Cat Rescue! I made a donation to your organization. Thank you for being the voice and a shelter for cats! You are definitely making the world a better place!

Heather B 5 years ago

I admire you so much for all the work you do with FIV positive cats! I am afraid that, as with humans, there is a terrible stigma attached to the disease, leading to grave misunderstandings about its characteristics. Keep up the wonderful work!

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@indigoj: Thank you! Bear hugs, Frankie

Indigo Janson 5 years agofrom UK

I wish I could give one of those gorgeous boys, or the darling Princess, a home. I'm over the water and far away, but am paying another visit and am again in awe of all the wonderful work that you do. Thanks so much for stopping by the Caboodle Ranch page that I made. Although I had a link there to FIV Cat Rescue I've also now added you in the sidebar in a Featured Lens spot (felt it stood out more there than putting it in Related Lenses). Keep up the great work, and love and purrs to all your residents.

David Dove 5 years ago

Outstanding contribution to looking after our friends, thank you

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: Alicia. Thank you for your email. I'm so happy for Enoch and you. Can you give me your Vet's contact info. I know my vet would be interested in communicating about this treatment regimen. My vet is also on FIV Cat Rescue's Board of Advisors. You can send it to me at frankie@fivcatrescue.org Thanks so much for your information. Frankie

anonymous 5 years ago

Hi there,

First of all, I would like to applaud you for your efforts! As a proud FIV+ kitty owner, I am constantly educating people on the disease and doing my best to change the way people think.

My cat, Enoch, was diagnosed with FIV in 2005 after having ran out the door and being lost for two months. He was near death-starved to the point that I could see where the bones come together in his skull. His collar had gotten wrapped around his neck and arm and was embedded into the flesh under his armpit. He had also been attacked by another cat and contracted FIV. I felt so guilty for failing to keep him safe and made it my personal mission to ensure that I would do all I could to fight the disease.

I did a ton of research and came up with an Immune-boosting cocktail that my Vet has started to recommend to her patients with FIV kitties! The difference in Enoch's health was nothing short of amazing. He had constant nail bed infections, respiratory infections and acted sick, depressed and stressed. Since I started him on this cocktail, he has not had ONE infection of ANY sort and his energy levels have tripled. His coat is glossy, he's a loud-mouth and even his gums have yet to show any inflammation. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has FIV+ kitties!

Giving him the medications is easy: I just mix everything up with a half-cup of soft food-whichever flavor/brand your cat likes best will work. He enjoys his "treat" so much that he meows &amp; yells at me twice a day to prepare it for him! He even likes it when I squirt the DMG directly into his mouth, the little weirdo!

I will list the products below, along with website links where you can purchase them.

@anonymous: Hi Ellen. Hopefully it is not too late to help. My name is Michelle and I work @ Brigids Crossing Foundation in Naples. Fl. We are a no kill, no cage, roam free cat sanctuary for cats who are FIV+. We are located on 6 1/2 acres where our residents live happy lives in an environment where they can run, play, climb trees, go fishing by the lake or lounge by the pool. They are fed organic food, have excellent care and access to veterinarians, both traditional and holistic. Play time with the two leggeds, brushing, petting, cuddling and AWESOME catnip parties are all a part of the treatment and care that our beloved residents enjoy ! Please contact us @ www.brigidscrossing.org or by calling us @ 239-591-8425.

Author

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

@anonymous: Be careful, however, many vets have not kept up with FIV research and are still telling people to euthanize the FIV cat or that they can't be with non-/fiv cats. Which is wrong, wrong, wrong. I have lots of info about how to raise an FIV cat up above.